Looking for a special taste of India? Then look no further. Head to Penn Quarter and discover Rasika, a restaurant inspired by Eastern tradition and spirit and combined with Western style and design.

Owner Ashok Bajaj was one of the first restauranteurs to set up camp in the District’s revitalized Penn Quarter — halfway between the White House and the U.S. Capitol in the same neighborhood as the Verizon Center — when he opened 701 Restaurant, which serves American fare in a hip and modern setting. He is also the owner of Bombay Club, a renowned Indian restaurant in the same area distinguished by its colonial elegance.

Rasika opened in 2006 as a follow-up to both American and Indian dining, but with a twist. Rasika boasts both a chic, urban atmosphere and delicious Indian cuisine.

Bajaj wanted to capitalize on the neighborhood’s recent transformation.

“Penn Quarter has changed, and there are a lot of young people,” he said. One only needs to take a look at the crowded streets to understand exactly what he means. The medley of patrons includes senators and celebrities dining among Penn Quarter’s stylish crowd, and young professionals adorn the bar and lounge.

“India is a very hospitable country,” Bajaj said. “And we want to reflect that in our service.” Patrons can enter the restaurant with casual attire and still enjoy professional, comfortable service from a friendly wait staff.

The restaurant’s menu offers a modern twist on Indian cuisine and represents dishes from all over India.

But some of the restaurant’s specialty dishes stand out, such as the crab and rice cake with mustard seeds, curry leaves and pickled lemon, as well as the black cod with dill, honey, star anise and red wine vinegar. Other unique options include the palak chaat, a “salad” with crispy spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind and date chutney that will fascinate your senses, and the dahi pakodi chaat — lentil dumplings with sweet yogurt, topped with tamarind and date chutney. The diner with a shrewd palate will note the presence of cardamom in a few of the curries and even in some of the lamb dishes, such as the anar gosht. The tandoori lamb chops were flavorful and tender, with traces of cardamom in addition to some ginger and herbs. Dessert included an exceptional gulab jamun. If you enjoy food with a “bite,” be aware that the waitress exaggerated a bit when describing the degree of spiciness of some of the dishes.

Bajaj noted a “healthier, lighter” quality to the food as he characterized its modernity within the genre.

This Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering a prix fixe menu. At $75 per couple, the price tag might be a bit daunting even to the most chivalrous Georgetown student on a college budget. But don’t despair: Feb. 14 is not the only evening for romance at Rasika. “The best way to enjoy Indian food is to share, and that’s why we created a lot of small dishes,” Bajaj pointed out, adding, “Any couple can share any dish on the menu.”

In addition to being a perfect spot for a first date, it is also an ideal destination for group dining. Appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrées fall in the $15 to $35 range. The small sacrifice you might have to make to fit this meal into your budget will be well worth the effort.

“Modern India is vibrant,” said Bajaj, explaining his desire to mirror this vibe through Rasika’s stunning menu and dazzling décor. The perfect combination of food and form, Rasika is just right for those seeking intriguing, exotic flavors and an enjoyable atmosphere.